Karen Charlotte Sullivan
February 15, 1942 - January 1, 2023
Obituary
Karen Charlotte Sullivan, 80, went home to be with Jesus peacefully on January 1, 2023. She was born to Hubert (Red) and Dora Marshall on February 15, 1942 in Oak Park, Illinois, joining her older sister, Anita (Marshall) Valdez. The family moved to Washington for her father’s work with the Army Corps of Engineers and eventually settled in Wapato, Washington.
As a child, Karen loved catching black widow spiders and going to baseball games with her dad. After high school, she attended Central Washington University and became an elementary school teacher in Renton. Once her children were born, she stayed home to raise them and also ran an in-home daycare for a time. She was active as a Deacon and Stephen Minister at Marine View Presbyterian Church in Dash Point, Washington. After her marriage ended, she went back to teaching at Kapowsin Elementary School in the Bethel School District and retired in 1999 after suffering a stroke. Karen made friends easily and was known for her kindness and care of others. She endured many health challenges, but smiled through the adversity and had a great attitude.
Karen is survived by her daughter Lynda, son Rob, daughter-in-law Leanne, sister Anita, and grandchildren, Ryan (wife, Rachael), Eric, Liam, and Tekeste. A memorial service will be held on Friday, January 13 at 3 pm at Faith Covenant Church, 1915 Washington Street, Sumner.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to PHP Adult Family Home, LLC (mail to Joan Alvarado 1107 East Maclyn, Kent, WA 98030) or to the American Diabetes Association.
